The City Lights Collective

The saying 'never meet your heroes' does not apply to the Indigo Girls. Amy Ray and Emily Sailers will not disappoint, for they are as kind as they are talented. Last week, they left for a significant, multi-city tour that will run through the fall, yet they took the time to come to the WABE studio and record an interview with Lois to air during her final days at WABE before her retirement. This intimate conversation was recorded as part of Lois's last week series, in which she speaks to some of her past favorite guests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta-born actor Danielle Deadwyler joins me to discuss her many projects, past, present, and future. Additionally, Dr. Scott Stewart and Lois reflect on his many years as a contributor and collaborator.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The King of Pops is turning 15, and CEO and co-founder Steve Carse discusses his new book, “Work Is Fun: Seven Ways a Successful Ice Pop Company Makes Work Meaningful and How You Can Too.” Plus, playwright Jessica B. Hill and director Alexis Kulani Woodard detail “The Dark Lady,” which is on stage at Synchronicity Theatre now through June 29th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Donald Runnicles, former principal guest conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, helps us celebrate 50 years of ASO broadcasts on WABE. Plus, comedian and improv artist Colin Mochrie, along with Kevin Gillese, Atlanta-based comic and producer, discuss Mochrie’s new live show – coming to Variety Playhouse on June 20.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Richard Kind stops by ahead of his upcoming July 19 performance at Symphony Hall, “How Not to Be Famous: A Conversation with Richard Kind.” Plus, librettist Selda Sahin, and the Atlanta Opera director of community engagement and education, Jessica Kiger discuss “Steele Roots” which makes its world premiere at the Atlanta Opera on June 20, followed by an encore performance June 22 at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College. And Floyd Hall, the Executive Director of Atlanta Contemporary, discusses their upcoming annual “Art Party” on June 21.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist EuGene V. Byrd III discusses his Beltline West End Trail mural, “Works in Progress: An Honest Look at Fatherhood.” Plus, comedian, writer, and actor Lisa Ann Walter joins us ahead of her standup show at Helium Comedy Club on June 21.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Ali Siddiq joins us ahead of his Atlanta performance at the Fox Theatre on June 13. Plus, Kosmo Vinyl shares the story of Gill-Scott Heron’s version of “Me and the Devil,” and we listen back to Lois’s 2023 conversation with Metropolitan Museum of Art president Daniel H. Weiss about his book, “Why the Museum Matters.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra acting principal cellist Daniel Laufer joins Lois to celebrate 50 years of ASO broadcasts on WABE. Plus, travel expert Rick Steves stops by with tips on visiting lesser-traveled European countries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new box Richard Pryor box set is out now on Rhino Records, and comedian and “What’s Good Atlanta” co-host Mark Kendall reflects on the icon’s legacy. Plus, Sarah Higgins, the executive and artistic director of Art Papers, discusses the decision to sunset the publication after 50 years, and we revisit Lois’s 2018 conversation with Atlanta playwright Pearl Cleage as part of our “Farewell Favorites” series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Young John Lewis” makes its world premiere at Theatrical Outfit. The hip-hop musical was written by Psalmayene 24 and composed by Eugene H. Russell IV. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes speaks with both of them about this riveting new play. Additionally, we revisit Reitzes’ conversation with the author of “The Swans of Harlem” and a Black ballerina featured in the book. As part of the "City Lights" series of "Farewell Favorites," we listen back to Lois's 2018 interview regarding Alliance Theatre’s stage adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poetry book, “Native Guard.”  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Opera’s artistic director, Tomer Zvulun, sits down with “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to discuss the rare gem of Baroque opera, George Frideric Handel’s “Semele,” which will be on stage June 7, 10, 13, and 15. Plus, we spotlight the Atlanta band Shock Tea in our series “Speaking of Music.” And we revisit another “Farewell Favorite” conversation between Lois and former Spelman president, Mary Schmidth Campbell. They discuss her 2018 book “An American Odyssey: The Life and Work of Romare Bearden.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Accentuate the Positive: The Music of Arlen and Mercer” is a concert-cabaret show premiering at The Breman this Sunday. Flying Carpet Theatre founder Adam Koplan and executive director of The Breman, Leslie Gordon discuss the timeless classics and melodies Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen wrote throughout their career.  Plus, WABE music contributor Dr. Scott Stewart looks at the latest summer blockbuster soundtracks in “Music in Media.” And we listen back to one of Lois’ “Farewell Favorite” segments with humorist and author David Sedaris discussing his book, “Happy Go Lucky."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Young John Lewis” makes its world premiere at Theatrical Outfit. The hip-hop musical was written by Psalmayene 24 and composed by Eugene H. Russell IV. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes speaks with both of them about this riveting new play. Additionally, we revisit Reitzes’ conversation with the author of “The Swans of Harlem” and a Black ballerina featured in the book. As part of the "City Lights" series of "Farewell Favorites," we listen back to Lois's 2018 interview regarding Alliance Theatre’s stage adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poetry book, “Native Guard.”  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Hong, co-founder of the new Classical Remix Music Festival, joins us. The festival kicks off with three nights of music on June 8 at Leafmore Creek Park Club. On June 22, the festival will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and the event on June 27 will take place at the Historic Dekalb Courthouse. Plus, in "Wildcat," the 2023 movie about the author Flannery O'Connor, we hear the question, "If imagination impacts reality, isn't faith where those rivers meet?" Co-written and directed by Ethan Hawke, the movie stars his daughter, Maya Hawke, and explores O'Connor's intellect and the role of faith in her life. As part of the "City Lights" series of "Farewell Favorites," we listen back to Lois's 2023 conversation with Ethan Hawk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When City Lights host Lois Reitzes announced her retirement from daily hosting earlier this year, she sat down with WABE's All Things Considered host Jim Burress to reflect on her broadcasting career. In this special edition of the City Lights podcast, we hear an extended version of their conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Virtuoso banjoist Béla Fleck discusses his upcoming performance with the ASO of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” The show takes place at Atlanta Symphony Hall on June 11. Plus, The Renaissance Orchestra takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former First Lady of Atlanta Valerie Jackson reminisces about her time as a WABE host and shares some highlights from Mayor Maynard Jackson’s career. Plus, we hear from music enthusiast Kosmo Vinyl for “Kosmo’s Vinyl of the Week.” We also listen to  Lois Reitzes’ conversation with Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers as part of her “Farewell Favorites.” They discuss the Indigo Girls’ documentary “It’s Only Life After All.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta is reopening after recent renovations, unveiling new art, exhibitions and interactive experiences for its big centennial. It includes an interactive mural designed by artist and SCAD MFA student Jennifer Wee. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with Wee and Nina Thomas, Delta Flight Museum director of exhibits and public programs. Plus, we hear from Rough Draft Atlanta’s editor in chief, Beth McKibben, for this month’s “Beverage Beat” on margaritas. And we kick off “Lois’ Farewell Favorites” with award-winning actor, producer and author Henry Winkler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Wynn, tenor section leader for the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, discusses the new Voices of Note concert showcase, “Broadway Sideways.” Plus, we’ll explain why Atlanta art organizations are reeling as the National Endowment for the Arts cancels funding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freddie Ashley, artistic director at Actor’s Express details the company’s new production of “Doubt, A Parable.” Plus, WABE CEO Jennifer Dorian discusses the Lois Reitzes Art Fund.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta-based journalist and culture critic Christina Lee previews the “American Music Awards,” which airs on CBS on May 26. Plus, this weekend Atlanta hosts one of the fastest-growing “all ages” anime conventions, MomoCon, and we’ll learn why the event attracts tens of thousands of fans to our city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiny Doors ATL is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and founder Karen Anderson Singer details her upcoming celebratory guided tours. Plus, we catch up with Reveena ahead of her forthcoming Atlanta show at Center Stage, and we get a preview of the 2025 Atlanta Fringe Festival from festival director Diana Brown and Melissa Simmons, creator of the new play “Witch Cake” and founder of MerryCat Productions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Camille Russell Love, former director of the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and Senior Advisor to Mayor Andre Dickens, along with Adriane Jefferson, the new executive director for the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, detail this year’s Atlanta Jazz Festival. Plus, Noah Sills of the band Arkose takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedians and co-authors Amber Nash and Greg Tavares discuss their new book, "Improv for Couples: Fun Games for You and Your Partner." Plus, we hear about SCAD Fashion's 2025 runway show, and Kosmo Vinyl stops by with the story behind Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ricardo Ángeles, son, collaborator, and curator for the artists Jacobo and María Ángeles, details the sculpture exhibition “Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles,” which is on view at Fernbank Museum through August 3. Plus, Jasmine Hentschel and EC Flamming, the creatives behind “Art Calendar ATL,” and “Gulch” magazine, discuss how they keep their fingers on the pulse of Atlanta’s visual art scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Botanical Garden CEO and president Mary Pat Matheson discusses “Alice’s Wonderland” and “Enchanted Trees,” which are on view through September. Plus, trap violinist Clejan takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wire Sculpture artist Noah James Saunders discusses his new solo exhibition, which is on view at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art through June 8. Plus, No Words ATL founder Ann Wood and music curator Will Hamilton detail their spring instrumental music festival, which takes place at Wild Heaven Westside on May 10.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Martin and Adam Guettel, the co-writers of the new musical, “Millions,” discuss the upcoming world premiere performances at the Alliance Theatre from May 9 to June 15. Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart stops by for our series, “Music in Media.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Kelly and Keira Quinn from the Children’s Museum of Atlanta discuss the museum’s programming for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Plus, travel expert and PBS host Rick Steves joins us for our series, “ATL Up and Away.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mixed media artist Honey Pierre discusses her new solo exhibition, “I’m Just Living Some Life, Okay?” The work is on view at Impossible Currencies Studio through May 18th. Plus, curators Ruth Allen and Masud Olufani detail the two new exhibitions on view at the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, “Anonymous Fragments” and “Call and Response.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Jay Pharaoh stops by ahead of his shows at the Helium Comedy Club in Alpharetta, May 2 through 4. Plus, The Peachtree Road United Methodist Church is celebrating its centennial all year long, and we hear about their upcoming concert, “Celebrate the Joy: 100 Years of Music Making.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John McCutcheon discusses his latest album “Field of Stars.” Plus, Kosmo Vinyl stops by with the story behind “Human Behavior” by Bjork, and voice actor and comedian Euguene Mirman stops by ahead of his upcoming stand-up show at Terminal West on May 3.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conductor Jader Bignanimi discusses his upcoming “Italian Holiday with the ASO” performances on Thursday and Saturday. Plus, Madeline Evans takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Comedy,” and visual artist John Cleaveland details his new exhibition, “The Nature of Man: Landscapes from the Childhood of Jimmy Carter, on view at the Carter Center through May 31.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chantelle Rytter, creator of the Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade and founder of the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons discusses the 15th annual Beltline Lantern Parade which is on May 3 on the Beltline’s Southwest Trail. Plus, we unveil the future of City Lights on WABE, “The City Lights Collective.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta-based co-directors John Dierre and Ryan Dutter discuss their original psycho-thriller drama “Meta Take One,” which screens at the Plaza Theatre for the Atlanta Film Festival on April 25. Plus, H Johnson stops by with story behind Lenny Welch’s “Since I Fell For You,” and we hear about this year’s FREE Amplify Decatur Music Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tenor Stefan Vinke and Atlanta Opera artistic director Tomer Zvulun discuss Richard Wagner’s “Siegfried,” which is on stage at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre from April 26 through May 4. Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart stops by for our series, “Music in Media,” and we hear about “Braiding Time, Memory and Water,” the site-specific interactive dance performances that encourage us to reconnect with our natural environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Hirthler and Bob Judson, producers of the new documentary “The Games in Black & White,” discuss the film ahead of its Atlanta premiere at the Rialto Center for the Arts on April 26. Plus, musician John Driskell Hopkins joins us to discuss his latest music with the Zac Brown Band and his awareness campaigns for ALS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Escobar, director of the Atlanta Film Festival, discusses the 49th annual event, which begins April 24 and continues through May 4 with screenings and events at the Tara and Plaza Theatres. Plus, Rough Draft Atlanta’s Editor-in-Chief and Senior Dining Editor Beth McKibben stops by to discuss the history of women in bartending. Sharon Van Etten joins us ahead of her April 24 show at Variety Playhouse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christie Herring, co-director of “Singing for Justice,” discusses the new documentary about Faith Petric’s life, which screens at the Tara Theatre on April 19. Plus, Trevor Powers, AKA “Youth Lagoon,” details his upcoming performance at the Masquerade on April 19.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Gene Kansas discusses his new book “Civil Sights: Sweet Auburn, a Journey through Atlanta’s National Treasure,” plus Kosmo Vinyl stops by with the story behind John Barry’s theme for “Midnight Cowboy.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Principal Timpanist Mark Yancich celebrates 50 years of ASO broadcasts on WABE. Plus, Lauren Amos, co-founder of two of Atlanta’s most successful brick-and-mortar fashion stores, Wish ATL and ANT/DOTE, discusses the history of her stores and her time at Paris Fashion Week. Join Lois Reitzes at the Plaza this Saturday as City Lights Cinema presents “Stir Crazy," starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. As Lois celebrates her 45th year on WABE, this classic comedy celebrates its 45th anniversary! Comedian Mark Kendall joins Lois before the screening to celebrate the movie and discuss Richard Pryor’s inspiration on his comedy. Tickets at WABE dot org slash events. We hope to see you there!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Film historian and filmmaker Eddy Von Mueller and University of North Georgia professor of film studies Gabe Wardell detail their series, "The Next Picture Show: Revisiting Western Frontiers," at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema April 15-June 3. Oakland Cemetery Director of Adult Programs and Volunteers and director of "Illumine," Sandy White, and Cat Eye Creative founder Adam Crawford discuss the annual art exhibition and light installation experience at Oakland Cemetery. Join Lois Reitzes at the Plaza this Saturday as City Lights Cinema presents “Stir Crazy," starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. As Lois celebrates her 45th year on WABE, this classic comedy celebrates its 45th anniversary! Comedian Mark Kendall joins Lois before the screening to celebrate the movie and discuss Richard Pryor’s inspiration on his comedy. Tickets at WABE dot org slash events. We hope to see you there! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Rooks, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, details "Kim Chong Hak, Painter of Seoraksan," which opens at the High Museum of Art on April 11. Plus, "How Do You Atlanta's" Mike Jordan gets you ready for record store day and we hear about Atlanta's many listening rooms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artistic director Justin Ball and associate director Xandy Poole discuss Stage Door Theater’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” which opens April 10 at Agnes Scott College and runs through April 20. Plus, Denzel Curry stops by ahead of his April 10 show at the Eastern, and Matt Booth, owner of Videodrome, is bringing filmmaker Alan Rudolph to Atlanta for screenings of his films “Remember My Name” and “Choose Me” at the Plaza Theatre on April 10 and 12.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emory University Professor James Abbington discusses the new course at Emory’s Candler School of Theology: “Songs of Protest: Canticles, Spirituals, and Soundtracks of the Movements.” Plus, Jessical Locklar takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Art.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Textile artist Sandra Sawatsky and MODA curator Laura Flusche discuss “Threads of Change: Design and Data,” which is on view at the Museum of Design Atlanta through May 25th. Plus, restaurateurs, chefs, and actors Jenny Levison and Mitchell Anderson detail their upcoming production of A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters” on stage on April 4th, 5th, and 6th at Synchronicity Theatre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among Beethoven’s concerto compositions, The Triple Concerto is the least often played work. Still, on April 3 and 4, the Atlanta Symphony will feature Beethoven’s Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano with Concertmaster David Coucheron, Acting Principal Cellist Daniel Laufer, and pianist Julie Coucheron. The trio of soloists joined Lois to discuss the upcoming concerts. Plus, the annual DIY FEST returns on April 3, spotlighting the Punk Rock Collection at Emory University’s Rose Library, and Kosmo Vinyl stops by to share the story behind Horace Andy’s “Skylarking.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel expert and PBS host Rick Steves discusses his new memoir, “On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer.” Plus, Nick Turbo Benson takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Art,” and John Snyder shares his experiences with jazz legend Gerry Mulligan for our series, “Notes and Narratives.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The “Prom of Trash with John Waters” kicks off the “WussyFest” this year, and Waters shares the event details. Plus, Roadrunner Raph takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Comedy,” and curator Asen Kirin discusses “The Awe of Ordinary Labors: 20th Century Paintings from Ukraine,” on view at the Georgia Museum of Art at UGA through June 1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary puppet designer Bonnie Erickson, creator of Miss Piggy, and Jill Nash Malool, museum director at the Center for Puppetry Arts, detail the panel discussion, “Affectionate Anarchy: Muppet Prank Culture,” which takes place on April 1st, followed by its accompanying exhibition, April 2nd through October 26th. Plus, H Johnson talks about Sonny Rollins, the Aint Sisters take the spotlight for “Speaking of Music,” and Cate and Aleesa de Castro discuss the Backlight Student Film Festival at the University of Georgia. The festival takes place March 29th and 30th at UGA’s Tate Theatre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.